Automated mobile terrace growing system

Abstract

A closed loop system for growing vegetation is provided. The closed loop system includes at least a first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. Each of the first and second transport conveyors includes a front end opposite a rear end. The present invention further includes at least a first transfer conveyor. A lighting system is positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. The present invention further includes at least one terrace structure. The first transport conveyor transports at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end, the first transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from rear end of the first transport conveyor to the front end of the second transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A mobile terrace growing system comprising:
 a first transport conveyor comprising a front end and a rear end; 
 a second transport conveyor comprising a front end and a rear end; 
 a first transfer conveyor; 
 a lighting system positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor; and 
 at least one terrace structure comprising:
 a bottom portion configured to support the terrace structure in an upright position; and 
 at least one growing panel extending from the bottom portion and disposed at an angle inward relative to the bottom portion and comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface comprises a plurality of adjoining and alternating risers and terrace levels to form a stair structure disposed along the angle, wherein a plurality of openings are formed through the terrace levels, a plurality of convex protrusions are disposed along each of the terrace levels on the inner surface in between the plurality of openings, and a substantially enclosed space is formed within the terrace structure, wherein 
 
 the first transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end, 
 the first transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from the rear end of the first transport conveyor to the front end of the second transport conveyor, and 
 the second transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second transfer conveyor, wherein the second transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from the rear end of the second transport conveyor to the front end of the first transport conveyor. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an air and water delivery system operable to deliver air and water to the at least one terrace structure. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the air and water delivery system comprises an extendable air injection arm and an extendable water injection arm disposed alongside or under at least one of the first transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor, wherein the terrace structure comprises a water inlet and an air inlet leading into the enclosed space. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , further comprising a mister system disposed within the substantially enclosed space and connected to the water inlet. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one terrace structure comprises a first growing panel and a second growing panel extending from opposing sides of the bottom portion and angled towards one another, forming a triangle shaped structure. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one terrace structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel extending from the bottom portion on opposing sides and adjoining the first growing panel and the second growing panel together. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom portion comprises a catch pan comprising a drain, wherein the catch pan tapers towards the drain forming a funnel, wherein the drain directs liquid to a water recovery gutter of each of the first and second transport conveyors. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a chimney disposed at a top end of the terrace structure providing an air exchange exhaust from the enclosed space. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of convex protrusions forms a plurality of concave recesses on the outer surface. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the lighting system comprises a hoist operable to lower and raise the lighting system. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor each comprise:
 at least one transport track comprising an upper channel running from the front end to the rear end; 
 a chain running within the transfer track; 
 an actuator operable to move the chain along the at least one transfer track; and 
 at least one clacker attached to the chain and protruding beyond the upper channel, wherein 
 the actuator drives the chain and the clacker catches the at least one terrace structure, thereby pushing the terrace structure from the front end to the rear end. 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the first transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor each comprise a base comprising a plurality of vertical supports supporting a pair of roller tracks. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one terrace structure comprises a plurality of rollers that run along the pair of roller tracks. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of vertical supports comprise an adjustable height. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one table comprising a protruding sidewall, wherein the at least one terrace structure is supported on the table. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one table is sized to fit a plurality of the terrace structures within. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one table comprises a plurality of tables, wherein each of the plurality of tables supports a plurality of the terrace structures. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a docking station comprising a standing platform adjacent to the transfer conveyor and a plant conveyor adjacent to the platform, wherein the plant conveyor runs to a remote location.